Police believe argument led to deadly shooting in Center City Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police believe an argument led to a deadly shooting in Center City Philadelphia.

It happened around 2:30 a.m. on Monday in the 200 block of South Camac Street, near the heart of Sunday's Pride celebrations in Philadelphia.

Police responded to calls for gunshots and found 31-year-old Derwin Matthews Jr. in the alleyway. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Investigators say the suspect was caught on video running south on Camac Street towards Locust Street.

"The pain is unbearable," said Jacen Bowman, the president of Philadelphia Black Pride. His friendship with Matthews dates back 10 years.

"Derwin was a protector. Derwin was someone that always made sure everyone was good. He was a lot of energy, a lot of life. He was a chef," added Bowman.

After a night partying and celebrating Pride on Camac Street, Bowman says he gave Matthews a hug and kiss goodbye, likely minutes before he was shot.

"I had no idea that was going to be the last time I hugged him," said Bowman.

Bowman is planning to use all of his resources to make sure his friend gets justice.

"I'm not OK with him just being another moment that's going to be swept underneath the rug," he added.

The suspect is believed to be in his late teens or 20s, and was wearing a beige shirt, grey shorts and light sneakers.

City crews were out, cleaning up bags and bags of trash, where, just hours earlier, the small block that's lined with bars was packed with hundreds celebrating Philadelphia Pride Festival.

At one point Sunday night, a large police presence moved into Center City as officers worked to clear crowds following the festivities.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting have not been released.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 215-686-TIPS.